Top 3 Health Supplements to Build Lean Muscle
Supplements are not here to replace whole foods.
They provide nutrients that are already available in foods, but in higher quantities.
Some supplements can help you increase strength, improved recovery, help with weight loss, etc.
Here top 3 health supplements you should consider if you want to build muscle:
Creatine is the most studied supplement, and it's very effective.
It is a natural substance found in the body.
Creatine is affordable and help you increase your energy system, which may lead to better strength gains.
It’s also known as Omega 3.
Though it can also be found in plants, the most beneficial Omega 3’s come from fish oils.
Fish oil has a lot of benefits, especially for your health: it promotes heart health by reducing bad cholesterol in your blood, helps support healthy bones, improves mental health and may reduce muscle soreness.
Vitamins and minerals are important to keep your body healthy.
A multivitamin can help with providing micronutrients that may not be available in your current nutrition plan.
Here’s a workout program you should try:
Fitness supplements can provide you with nutrients that you lack in your diet, but it's important to first invest in a good nutrition plan before thinking about buying any supplements.
You can have the healthiest diet, and you still may be lacking some nutrients due to the lack of food variety.
On the contrary, it can be counterproductive to consume the top supplements if your diet is not your first priority.
Supplements are not food substitute, but can be a great addition to a healthy diet.
1. Whey protein
This one could be in the top 3, but most people can achieve their protein intake through whole foods.
It’s very efficient way to increase your protein intake, especially if you're on the go or simply don't want to consume too many meals.
Keep in mind that most protein sources already include these BCAA’s, therefore it's not a "required" (none of them are) supplements.
Most people consume BCAA if they're doing very demanding workouts in efforts, for example 90 minutes or more of weight lifting.
It's composed of three amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), which are the main elements of protein.
BCAA’s are utilized when you're working out, along with muscle glycogen.
Consumed before and during a workout (5g / hour of exercise),
You can also consume them after your workout (5g/hour of exercise) in order to restore the BCAA’s lost during intense exercises.
BCAA’s may help you to maintain muscle mass and regulate the consumption of muscle glycogen.
It is important for muscle fuelling, which can help you improve performance in endurance exercises.
Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body.
You can take it just after waking up, after a workout and just before bed (5g).
- Supplements provide nutrients present in food, but more in quantity
- Nothing can replace whole food
- Supplements can be very effective along with a proper nutrition
- Top 3 fitness supplements: Creatine, multivitamin and fish oil
- Other very efficient supplements: Whey protein, BCAA and glutamine
Frequently Asked Questions
The top supplements for building lean muscle mass include creatine, fish oil, and multivitamins. These supplements can help enhance strength, support recovery, and provide essential nutrients that might be missing from your diet.
Creatine helps in muscle building by increasing your energy levels, which can lead to better strength gains during workouts. It's one of the most researched supplements and is known for its effectiveness and affordability. Learn more about its benefits and side effects in our article on Creatine Benefits and Side Effects.
Fish oil is beneficial for muscle growth because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce muscle soreness and support overall health, including heart and bone health. This makes it a valuable addition to your supplement regimen if you're looking to build muscle.
While not strictly necessary, multivitamins can be helpful in ensuring you receive all the essential vitamins and minerals that might be lacking in your diet. This can support overall health and facilitate muscle growth by providing a well-rounded nutrient profile.
No, supplements should not replace a healthy diet. They are meant to complement your nutrition by filling in gaps, not to substitute whole foods. A balanced diet should always be the foundation of your muscle-building efforts.
Other supplements that can aid muscle growth include whey protein and BCAAs. Whey protein is a convenient way to increase your protein intake, while BCAAs can help maintain muscle mass during intense workouts. For more information, read our article on Whey Protein Benefits.
You can track your supplement intake and workout progress using the Gymaholic App, which offers features for logging workouts, tracking nutrition, and monitoring progress to help you achieve your fitness goals more effectively.
